It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic San Tan Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Queen Creek, AZ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Always Best Care Senior Services went above and beyond anything that we ever could have”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable,”
“Always Best is a great place to work. They treat their employees well and truly”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable,”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides.”
“Marcy and her team are genuinely caring and want the best for each individual they”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I”
“This is a great company! Highly recommend!”
“The care for my wife was wonderful for abut 9 months when I had to”
“Always best took excellent care of my mom. They made sure that whoever took”
“I recently had a situation with the wedding of my daughter that needed a caregiver.”
“Our family needed to get my disabled brother in an assisted living environment quickly as”
“I’d been caring for my father full time, 24/7 for 3.5 years before realizing I”
“We feel blessed to have found Marcy and her amazing group of caregivers to assist”
“I have worked with for this company for 4 years and they are great people to work for. Marcy goes above and beyond for her clients and genuinely cares for her clients. Highly recommend if you need care for a loved one or if you are looking for a job as a caregiver.”
“Absolutely unbelievable care provided. If you or a family member need assistance don’t hesitate to contact Always Best Care. They do it right with superb care and compassion!”
“Always Best Care provided in home personal care for my sister for seven years. Their caregivers were skilled, professional and most importantly demonstrated genuine concern for my sister's well-being. They provided three shift coverage, covered vacations, and recruited new caregivers when required. The owner and office staff were delightful to work with. I would highly recommend them.”
“Always provided great care for my mom and Chelsea was amazing. Thank you!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services went above and beyond anything that we ever could have expected. Our 87-year-old mom was provided with kind, gentle care and attention by everyone who cared for her. Nobody expects to be in the situation of needing a caregiver. We are extremely grateful that Always Best Care was able to provide their services. If you are in need a caregiver and income assistance for yourself or a loved one needs in home caregiving, we highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My grandmother has received nothing but the best care and attention since starting services with Always Best. This stuff can be a nightmare but the team here is simply the best and makes everything easy!”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable, kind, and caring and did a lot of extras that were very much appreciated. Thank you Always Best Care for all your help.”
“Always Best is a great place to work. They treat their employees well and truly care about their customers.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I has been turned down by others. She is a wealth of knowledge and displays a tremendous amount of passion in the work that she does. I would highly recommend her for support needed with yourself or your loved one, she definitely would take the time to ensure all of your concerns and questions are addressed.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“My parents had nothing but good things to say about their caregiver. She was reliable, kind, and caring and did a lot of extras that were very much appreciated. Thank you Always Best Care for all your help.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was top notch from the RN caseworker to the aides. We used them for our 90 year-old parents for some respite care.”
“Marcy and her team are genuinely caring and want the best for each individual they serve. Marcy has a breadth of knowledge, experience, and connections within the community to provide support in making decisions about care of our loved ones. I highly recommend ABS.”
“Marcy took time out of her day to answer all of my questions when I has been turned down by others. She is a wealth of knowledge and displays a tremendous amount of passion in the work that she does. I would highly recommend her for support needed with yourself or your loved one, she definitely would take the time to ensure all of your concerns and questions are addressed.”
“This is a great company! Highly recommend!”
“The care for my wife was wonderful for abut 9 months when I had to place her in a home for Alzheimer's patients. The care and concern for her well-being was at the top of their agenda! The staff that looked after my wife was very good! Should I need home care services again, Always Best Care would be at the top of my list!”
“Always best took excellent care of my mom. They made sure that whoever took care of her didn’t wear perfume and didn’t smoke. They also provided me with updates. Highly recommend”
“I recently had a situation with the wedding of my daughter that needed a caregiver. My daughter's father is disabled and needed extra assistance to look his best and get to the wedding. Always Best Care was there to help. They were understanding, professional and on time. Since then I have needed Always Best Care's services for my 93 year old Aunt. My Aunt has loved the friendly , cheerful company and the help has been priceless. Trust is a huge factor with having someone come into our home. I trust Always Best Care. They have done an excellent job with management , communication, and consistent high quality care.”
“Our family needed to get my disabled brother in an assisted living environment quickly as his care giver's health (our mother) was in decline. Always Best Care came to our rescue after finding out the needs and type of care needed to get our brother into a safe environment. We spent many hours looking and found the right place for him all in one day. Always Best Care also gave us resources to get additional financial help that my brother could qualified for. These amazing women helped us in a very stressful and emotional time when we were under extreme pressure and they made it as easy as possible considering the situation. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
“I’d been caring for my father full time, 24/7 for 3.5 years before realizing I needed a break. Deciding on Respite Care was a difficult decision for many reasons. (If you know, you know). By the time we found Dixie at Always Best Care we had been through 6 care providers and two agencies in 12 months due to staffing issues. Marcy (owner) was warm, engaging and present. The support staff at Always Best were only ever a text away. (Thank you ladies!) And Dixie, Dad’s final friend, was a perfect fit. It didn’t take long for Dixie to feel like part of our family. On Dads last morning before Hospice we took him to breakfast at his favorite place. And if didn’t feel right unless Dixie was there. Thank you for helping my Dad and my Family through these final steps. You have my gratitude. (Image used with permission)”
“We feel blessed to have found Marcy and her amazing group of caregivers to assist our Mom in remaining at home through the end of her life. Everyone involved in her care was extremely compassionate, understanding and flexible. It was so nice to have Marcy come out each time a new caregiver was assigned in order to introduce them to Mom. I always felt comfortable and confident in the quality of her care and safety.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mansel Carter Oasis Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local San Tan Flat or visit Desert Wells Stage Stop, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Queen Creek, AZ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Queen Creek, AZ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Queen Creek, AZ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
It wasn’t long ago that American Leadership Queen Creek senior Boe Sparks was hobbling his way around, working his way back from a serious knee injury. Last season, Sparks broke his femur in three different parts during a game. The injury required surgery and a metal bar and 11 screws were inserted into his leg.“It was the probably hardest thing I ever went through,” Sparks said. “But because of my teammates, I got through it and was able to recover really fast. Now I’m playing the game in ...
It wasn’t long ago that American Leadership Queen Creek senior Boe Sparks was hobbling his way around, working his way back from a serious knee injury. Last season, Sparks broke his femur in three different parts during a game. The injury required surgery and a metal bar and 11 screws were inserted into his leg.
“It was the probably hardest thing I ever went through,” Sparks said. “But because of my teammates, I got through it and was able to recover really fast. Now I’m playing the game in a different way and it’s helping me out.”
Sparks is using his new approach, and the results are starting to come on the field. His 51-yard touchdown catch from senior quarterback Crew Dannels with 4:11 left in the first quarter began the scoring for ALA Queen Creek, providing a much-needed sparkplug for the Patriot offense on the way to a 26-7 win over Gilbert Highland in a key 6A East Valley Region matchup.
It was the only touchdown in the first half in what was a battle between two of the state’s top defensive units.
“We were a little nervous he was coming back too soon, so we tried to monitor that,” ALA Queen Creek coach Rich Edwards said. “He’s such a competitive young man, really wants to get after it. Whenever we need a real spark, so to speak, it’s Boe we can count on, it’s Boe we turn to. He’s got energy. Just a great asset.”
ALA Queen Creek entered halftime with a 10-0 lead after senior Tosh Peterson added a 17-yard field goal as time expired. Then there was a change at quarterback as Dannels, who came in nursing a hamstring injury, was replaced by junior Britt DeWitt. DeWitt just recently became eligible after transferring from Queen Creek Casteel in the offseason.
Edwards and the coaching staff gave DeWitt reps in practice this week in anticipation that this might happen, and it showed as he helped engineer a scoring drive to start the second half. He completed two passes, including a 20-yarder, then senior running back Brandon Brown punched it from three yards out to go up 17-0, completing a 12-play drive that took five minutes off the clock.
Later, in the fourth quarter, DeWitt connected with senior wide receiver Kingston McCabe on a 42-yard touchdown, extending ALA Queen Creek’s lead to 26-0 with 5:57 left in the fourth quarter.
DeWitt didn’t even know he was starting until he took the field just before the second half.
“It was just breathing for me,” DeWitt said on how he stayed calm. “I’ve been taught since I was young, force work breathing calms me down. I’ve been confident. This week in practice, I had a good week. As a team, we had a great week. The energy was good.”
He’s already earning the respect of his teammates and coaches.
“Britt, he’s a stud,” Sparks said. “He’s always in our practice. He gets a lot of reps. We have faith whoever’s going to be back there, they’re going to get the job done.”
On the defensive side of the ball, it was another stellar performance by the group and coordinator James Verenski. Highland didn't score its first points until 17 seconds were left in the game. The Patriots forced a fumble and recorded an interception, also blocking a punt for a safety.
With the win, ALA Queen Creek moves to 7-1 on the year and solidifies its positioning in the Open Division rankings with two games left in the regular season. ALA Queen Creek was ranked No. 7 this week by the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
The Open is the goal for Edwards and his team, but it will be a gauntlet to get there. A very feisty Gilbert Williams Field team and a surging Queen Creek program, which just beat No. 2 Mesa Red Mountain this week, loom on the schedule.
“We need to take it one game at a time,” Edwards said. “We probably had our best week of practice this week. We just need to stack that now. Need to come back tomorrow, looking at things we can improve. It’s a tough region. We just can’t look ahead. There’s no nights off in this region. We have to be mindful of that. We have to stay humble.”
For Highland, it falls to 6-2 on the season. The Hawks entered the game just outside of the Open at No. 9.
The loss doesn’t completely wipe away Highland’s chances of making the Open – it just makes it harder. It’s a reversal of roles from last year’s game. Highland won this game 21-11 and went on to make the Open, while ALA Queen Creek, despite the loss, still made the Open as well.
Highland will be hoping for the same. Next week is the chance with visiting Queen Creek, which will likely jump into the Open after beating Red Mountain.
“We gotta win next week,” Highland coach Brock Farrel said. “I told them you’re playing for your lives. We have a playoff game next week. We play Desert Ridge Week 10, hopefully we can eek that one out. Then we’ll see where the chips fall. I hate to say it, but some of the teams we played earlier in the year may need to win to get us in. Or we’re playing for the 6A. And quite frankly, wherever we land, I think that’s where we belong.”
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, ASU and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at [email protected] or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@LSscribe.
Nothing is certain in what has become a 2024 Arizona high school football season filled with surprises. Just when you think one team has paved its way to a championship, the improbable happens. And, if you think the Open playoffs will be fun, wait for what could be a loaded 6A bracket filled with old guard giants.Let's rewind the big moments of Week 10 and look ahead at what's to come.What we learned: Queen Creek is for realWhere's Queen Creek been hiding?The Bulldogs have spent the season under t...
Nothing is certain in what has become a 2024 Arizona high school football season filled with surprises. Just when you think one team has paved its way to a championship, the improbable happens. And, if you think the Open playoffs will be fun, wait for what could be a loaded 6A bracket filled with old guard giants.
Let's rewind the big moments of Week 10 and look ahead at what's to come.
Where's Queen Creek been hiding?
The Bulldogs have spent the season under the radar, quietly winning games behind dual-threat quarterback Tait Reynolds, The Arizona Republic's No. 1 prospect in the state in the 2026 class. But they aren't quiet anymore after giving Mesa Red Mountain its first loss of the season, winning 28-23, after trailing 14-0 in the first quarter.
Queen Creek trailed 17-14, before outscoring Red Mountain 14-6 in the final quarter to improve to 7-1 and put itself in the driver's seat for the 6A East Valley Region, which has become the toughest region in Arizona.
"Proud of the way our guys competed last night," coach Travis Schuerman said. "We got down 14-0 and they didn't panic.
"It is the type of game you hope you can be involved late in the season. Hats off to Red Mountain. They had no quit in them."
High school football:Queen Creek deals Red Mountain first loss of season behind Tait Reynolds
It's going to be a wild, wild finish with teams in the East Valley, and, for that matter, in the 5A Northeast Valley Region, beating each other up. No gimme games in the second half of the season for teams in both regions out of two conferences.
A week after losing a 16-14 heartbreaker to Red Mountain on a late field goal, ALA Queen Creek (7-1) bounced back with a defensively dominant 26-7 win over Gilbert Highland (6-2). Highland shouldn't lose out on an Open spot, considering how much of a gauntlet that East Valley Region is. But now the Hawks absolutely must beat Queen Creek next week to make the state's top playoff bracket.
Queen Creek put itself in the Open, despite the Week 3 21-12 loss to Gilbert Perry, which is fading after Friday's loss to a Williams Field that has struggled without quarterback Kody Guy. Guy started on Friday but played just a quarter, still not 100% from the injury that forced him to miss the last three games, all losses. Williams Field is 4-1 with Guy starting.
An AIA computer formula might not be ideal this season selecting the eight teams for the Open. It keeps putting two to three 5A teams into the Open field. Marana (9-0) has been ranked No. 1 by the AIA in both of its Open ratings so far. That's a stretch. It's a good team, but stacked against the top 6A teams, it will be a struggle to hold up, even if wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck is playing like he's from another planet.
Horizon keeps winning, the most recent on a walk-off, 35-yard field goal by Palmer Podwika to beat Higley 27-24 on Thursday night. But the Huskies (7-1), as fun as it's been to watch them succeed under first-year head coach Tyson Ditmore, might have a hard time winning an Open game. But the Huskies, who have beaten Desert Mountain (7-1) and Higley (5-3) in back-to-back weeks in the 5A Northeast Valley Region, have proven a lot of people wrong this year. They have a heady quarterback in Jase Ashley, who makes plays with his arm and legs.
When Peoria Centennial fell to 2-5 after last week's 31-21 loss to Queen Creek, it might have looked like the time to abandon hope on the Coyotes. But that ended up being a quality loss, after what Queen Creek did to Red Mountain. But the Coyotes could be back in the 6A playoff mix after Friday's 49-3 win over Scottsdale Chaparral, a game in which quarterback Kainan Manna got his mojo back, receiver Nikko Boncore broke out, and the defense stepped up, sparked by an interception return for a touchdown by Gavin Gardner.
A Chandler-Centennial 6A football final would be a great game. The Wolves seem out of the Open playoff picture after Friday's loss to Basha. But there are other 6A teams that won't go away, such as Phoenix Pinnacle, which is revving up at the right time, behind QB Wyatt Horton. Pinnacle just put up 62 points in a rout of Phoenix Sandra Day O'Connor and now gets a Centennial team that might have finally found its footing.
Centennial continues to use two quarterbacks with sophomore Ethan Beltran having strong moments when he's on the field. Never seen so many two-quarterback systems in the state before, but if it works, go for it.
Basha keeps presenting a strong case as the top team, especially after shutting out Chandler 17-0 in the second half, after one of the wildest first halves of a game in the state this season. Chandler led 27-21 on Carter Ochoa's 31-yard catch-and-run as time ran out in the first half. But, without starting QB Will Mencl, who got hurt in the second quarter, Chandler's offense never passed the 50-yard line in the second half, as Basha's Brodie Verhs dialed up big plays with his arms and legs, having to improvise at times after plays broke down.
Basha was ranked No. 1 in The Republic's latest Super 10, but others see Peoria Liberty as No. 1 in Arizona (The Republic has them No. 2). Liberty still hasn't lost to an Arizona team since the 2022 Open state semifinal to Saguaro. The Lions dominated Saguaro after the first quarter on Friday in a 43-14 win to improve to 7-1, the only loss coming to Corona (California) Centennial. Basha's only loss was to an out-of-state team, as well, a 35-32 setback at Mission Viejo (Calif.), which is now 9-0 and ranked among the top 10 teams in the country.
Arizona high school football:Final scores, schedules for Week 10
Several key matchups on Friday. Included is another Northeast Valley Region gauntlet game between Cactus Shadows and Horizon. Cactus Shadows rallied to beat Notre Dame Prep 28-21. Pinnacle plays at Centennial to see how far the Coyotes have come since the 1-4 start. And Queen Creek will try to be Open ready at Highland.
Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. He also covers Grand Canyon University athletics and the Arizona Rattlers. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert
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